Waterloo Middle School principal to take over duties at high school, too

By Kyle McDonald | Staff WriterPublished: December 14, 2012 4:00AM

The Waterloo Board of Education on Thursday named Matthew Montgomery principal of the high school principal, effective Feb. 1.

Montgomery is taking over for Nick Hulea, who has been with the district for 11 years. Montgomery has been the principal of Waterloo Middle School for a year and a half, and will continue to oversee the middle school in addition to his new duties.

"I'm excited, but cautious at the same time," Montgomery said. "I want to make sure that I can do the best job possible, and I'm going to put my best foot forward."

As principal of both schools, Montgomery will oversee 661 students and just under 50 staff members.

Superintendent Andrew Hill said the move is a cost-saving measure in light of the district's tight finances, and he's confident Montgomery will do a good job.

"We are making a major change here with the way that our district is set up administratively," Hill said. "We're going to try our best and we think it can work. I thank Matt for his willingness to step into the new role and we look forward to good things with him."

Hill added that he wouldn't be ashamed to come back and ask for an administrative support role in some capacity to help make things work, if needed.

Prior to being hired at Waterloo, Montgomery worked for three years as a high school science teacher in the Canfield school district. And, as a 2000 Waterloo graduate, he said the new role has a deep meaning for him.

"It's very special to be able to take over the high school as principal knowing that I also walked across that stage," he said. "I live in the community, am deeply rooted in the community and care about it, so it's just nice that I can give back."